Office of Sen. Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, along with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to commit to maintaining medical services veterans receive through the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program as the VA prepares to deliver a consolidation plan for non-VA community care to Congress next week.

In a letter, the senators stated, “ARCH provides medical care for veterans living in rural areas or for those who are burdened with long wait times for services…According to Congressionally mandated reports to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, more than 90 percent of veterans participating in ARCH are overwhelmingly satisfied with their access to care and the medical services they receive from the participating community providers.”

Since 2011, the ARCH pilot program has been operating in five rural sites across the country including Pratt, Kan. ARCH serves rural veterans by giving them access to health care from a community provider close to home instead of traveling several hours to seek care at a VA facility. The inclusion of a two-year extension of the ARCH program in the Choice Act helped to make certain rural veterans were able to continue accessing timely, high-quality care closer to home. Sen. Moran urges Secretary McDonald to capitalize on the demonstrated success of the ARCH program in the VA’s consolidated plan for non-VA, community care.

Sen. Moran has been an advocate for improved accessibility to health care for rural veterans through the ARCH program. In 2014, Sen. Moran sponsored the Choice Act, which implemented significant reforms at the VA and created the Choice Program – a pilot initiative based in part on the success of ARCH.

The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.

Sen. Moran encourages veterans in rural areas to enroll in VA health care and receive the care they have earned through the Choice Act. Click here to see if you qualify for the ARCH program.

Environmental Protection Agency

LENEXA–United behind a theme of “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” EPA Region 7 is urging parents, teachers and news media representatives to join federal, state and local health and environmental agencies in spreading the message of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31.

While lead poisoning is a health issue that can affect persons of any age, young children are most at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 4 million households in the U.S. have children living in them at risk of exposure to toxic lead. More than half a million U.S. children ages 5 and younger have blood lead levels above five micrograms per deciliter, the reference level at which CDC recommends public health actions be initiated.

The most common way that children become exposed to lead is by breathing or swallowing dust or chips of lead-based paint, which is often found in and around housing or child-care facilities built prior to 1978, when lead-based residential paints were banned in the U.S. In the four states of EPA Region 7—Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska—young children, depending on the communities where they live, also may be exposed to soils contaminated by lead from the area’s mining and processing industries.

Lead poisoning can adversely affect nearly every system of the body, but particularly the central nervous system, especially for unborn and young children whose bodies are just beginning to develop and grow. Because lead poisoning often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized. However, lead poisoning is easily diagnosed with simple testing, and in most cases, it can be treated.

Throughout National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25-31—part of EPA’s annual observance of Children’s Health Month—the agency is working to raise awareness of toxic lead hazards and spread information about ways to minimize or prevent exposures to lead. EPA has a range of free information, outreach materials and other resources available online: http://www2.epa.gov/lead/lead-poisoning-prevention-week-2015

Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN–The 2015 Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program is currently accepting applications from high school seniors and college freshmen who are passionate about agriculture and are interested in representing Kansas in a week-long exchange program December 7-11, 2015.

Each year the National Taichung Agricultural Senior High School in central Taiwan hosts students from the Midwest for this program. Selected students will tour agricultural facilities and businesses in Taiwan, and will learn about Taiwanese agriculture.

Exports play an important role in Kansas agriculture. According to Euromonitor, in 2014 Kansas exported just over $100.8 million in agricultural goods to Taiwan including beef, oil seeds, cereal grains and wheat flour. In 2013, exports of farm and ranch products contributed nearly $5 billion to the Kansas economy.

“The Taiwan Youth Exchange Program provides an opportunity for Kansas youth to experience agriculture on a global platform. Agriculture contributes nearly $63 billion to the Kansas economy, equaling approximately 43 percent of the state’s economy,” said Kerry Wefald, Agriculture Marketing Director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture. “It is important that our students understand that many commodities grown and harvested in their home communities contribute to fulfilling free trade orders with countries like Taiwan.”

Three students will be selected to represent Kansas. In order to be eligible to apply, students must meet the following requirements:
· Be a high school senior or college freshman;
· Be at least 18 years of age by December 7, 2015;
· Have a strong Kansas agricultural background;
· Have a valid U.S. passport by the time of exchange program selection; and
· Be able and willing to pay for airfare costs (approximately $1,000).

Applications must be submitted by November 4 to be considered. Students interested in applying should reference the 2015 Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program Opportunity informational handout for more details visit: http://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/ag-marketing/travel-to-taiwan—2015.pdf?sfvrsn=6.

Coordination of the program is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the Kansas FFA Association and Kansas 4-H.

For more information, contact KDA Education and Events Coordinator Robin Blume at [email protected] or (785)-564-6756.

KDWPT

PRATT–Kansas fishing fun doesn’t have to end when winter begins. A unique angling opportunity is about to kick off in select waters throughout the state, and with the right permit and some layered clothing, you just might find you have one more reason to fire up the grill – trout.

Trout are stocked in more than 30 locations around the state during the season, which runs Nov. 1, 2015 – April 15, 2016. Anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in Type 1 waters, which require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, and in Type 2 waters, which require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.

Trout fishing opportunities are available at the following locations:

TYPE 1 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED OF ALL ANGLERS

Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin

Dodge City Lake Charles

Ft. Scott Gun Park Lake

Glen Elder State Park (SP) Pond

Kanopolis Seep Stream

KDOT East Lake in Wichita

Lake Henry in Clinton SP

Mined Land WA Unit #30

Pratt Centennial Pond

Walnut River Area in El Dorado SP

Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek SP

Webster Stilling Basin

Sandsage Bison Range and WA Sandpits (Periodically Dry)

Vic’s Lake and Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park

Topeka Auburndale Park

Garnett Crystal Lake

TYPE 2 LAKES: TROUT PERMITS REQUIRED ONLY FOR TROUT ANGLERS

Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake

Solomon River between Webster Reservoir and Rooks County #2 Road

Ft. Riley Cameron Springs

Lake Shawnee – Topeka

Salina Lakewood Lake

Moon Lake on Fort Riley

Scott State Fishing Lake

Scott State Park Pond

Hutchinson Dillon Nature Center Pond

Atchison City Lake # 1

Belleville City Lake (Rocky Pond)

Holton-Elkhorn Lake

Syracuse Sam’s Pond

Cimarron Grasslands Pits

Colby Villa High Lake

Great Bend Stone Lake

Herington – Father Padilla Pond

TROUT Permit required year-round

Cherokee County – Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30

*Because trout survive through the summer here, a trout permit is required year-round for anglers utilizing the lake.

Residents 16-74 years old, and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.

For information on trout stocking schedules, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Special Fishing Programs for You / Trout Stocking Schedule.”

KDWPT

PRATT–Many anglers remember when the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) changed bait regulations in 2012 to limit the use of wild-caught bait to within the drainage where collected as well as the 2013 amendment to lessen restrictions for bluegill and green sunfish. The intent of these regulations was to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as Asian carp, white perch, and zebra mussels. Sampling conducted earlier this year appears to show that anglers adhering to the bait regulations helped slow the spread of Asian carp through Kansas waters.

In July 2015, KDWPT partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to sample 11 locations from six river basins throughout Kansas to detect the presence of environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind by bighead and silver carp (collectively known as Asian carp). Over a three-day span, two field crews, each comprised of two KDWPT Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) program staff and one USFWS staff, collected 204 eDNA samples. An additional USFWS crew, manning a portable trailer with cooled centrifuges, prepared the samples for shipment to and processing by the USFWS Whitney Genetics Lab in LaCrosse, Wis.

Results were released to KDWPT earlier this month and are available at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/fisheries/eDNA.html, but to summarize, none of the samples collected contained Asian carp eDNA. ANS program coordinator Jessica Howell has a good guess as to why.

“We believe the bait regulations have had a positive impact on protecting our natural resources from ANS such as Asian carp, as evidenced by the apparent lack of spread of bighead and silver carp throughout the state,” said Howell. She went on to add that locations such as Atchison State Fishing Lake and the Kansas River above the Bowersock Dam in Lawrence are areas we would have expected to see positive samples if the fish were moved upstream. Instead, these popular fishing locations were negative for eDNA, despite downstream populations where reproduction by the fish has been documented.

Regulations were changed because ANS, including Asian carp and white perch, can easily be confused with similar-looking native species by anglers catching bait. Small bighead and silver carp look very similar to native gizzard shad. White perch look very similar to native white bass. When the KDWPT Commission amended the regulations in 2013 to allow bluegill and green sunfish to be moved, part of the decision was that bluegill and green sunfish do not look like invasive fish currently in Kansas (bighead carp, silver carp, and white perch).

Anglers and boaters should be aware of Kansas regulations enacted to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, including:

Wild-caught bait must be used in the common drainage where collected and may not be moved upstream of a dam or natural fish barrier. Bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated aquatic nuisance waters may be possessed as live bait anywhere in the state.
No live fish may be taken from designated aquatic nuisance waters, including sport, non-sport, and baitfish.
Anglers fishing with bait purchased from a commercial dealer must have the receipt in their possession while fishing with purchased bait.
Boaters must pull drain plugs and drain livewells and bilges before transporting their boat on public highways.
It is illegal to possess certain species or to release wildlife on department lands or waters, federal reservoirs, and navigable publicly owned rivers.
KDWPT recommends that all water users Clean, Drain, and Dry all equipment after each use to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Clean – Remove all plants, animals and mud; thoroughly wash everything, especially crevices and hidden areas.
Drain – Eliminate all water before leaving the area, including livewells, ballast and engine cooling water. Dispose of unused bait on land or in an approved bait receptacle.
Dry – Allow five days for your equipment to completely dry before transporting to other waters. If you cannot wait five days, clean your boat with high-pressure hot water (140 degrees for 10 seconds of contact).
For more information on eDNA sampling efforts, and how you can help play a part in the fight against ANS, visit www.protectKSwaters.org or contact Howell at [email protected].

KDWPT

LAWRENCE–A Kansas angler got quite the surprise when he reeled to the surface not a just an ordinary fish, but a 30-inch-long eel from the Kansas River, below the Bowersock Dam near Lawrence. After closer inspection, it was determined the catch was an American eel, a species that hasn’t been seen in Kansas for nearly 10 years.

“This species spawns in the Sargaso Sea of the Atlantic Ocean,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Fisheries section chief, Doug Nygren. “So, this eel made a long journey from the Atlantic Ocean, through the Gulf of Mexico, up the Mississippi, took a turn at St. Louis to enter the Missouri River, and another turn to go up the Kansas River to the Bowersock Dam.”

The American eel once inhabited waters as far as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastlines, from Greenland to Brazil, and inland from Minnesota to central New Mexico. In the early 1800s and 1900s, there were several accounts of the American eel in Kansas, but dams blocking upstream migrations have made this species’ appearance a rarity today.

Less active during the day, eels will often remain under logs or other cover until night approaches. They feed primarily on invertebrates and soft-bodied fish.

Although the age of the eel caught from the Kansas River is unknown, records indicate the American eel can live to about 20 years. The current state record American eel was caught in 1987, also from the Kansas River, and weighed 4.4 pounds.

National Wheat Foundation

The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) launched the 2015 Wheat Harvest Photo Contest in June to celebrate America’s wheat harvest and wheat farmers. NWF is proud to announce the winners of that contest.

Over 300 photos were submitted through e-mail and shared on NWF’s Facebook page and website. NWF’s directors voted to determine the winning photos.

First place, receiving an iPad, is Michelle Jones. Michelle’s photo was taken near Broadview, Mont. The three runners up, each receiving a $50 gift card, are Brittany Van Driesten’s photo taken near Danville, Kan., in Harper County, Casey Graham’s photo taken near Simla, Colo., and Brenna Rietmann’s photo taken near Ione, Ore. The winning photos will be displayed in the Wheat Growers office in Washington, D.C.

“We are extremely honored to have launched this contest that truly showcased the heart of America’s wheat harvest,” said NWF chairman and Colorado wheat farmer, Dusty Tallman. “This contest was created to thank America’s wheat farmers, and the entries did a whole lot more than just sending thanks. The entries commemorated and illustrated the importance of our 2015 wheat harvest. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest and shared the American wheat harvest story.”

Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal

Daylight Saving Time begins November 1, and as Kansans prepare to “fall back” one hour, the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal urges residents to practice fire safety by testing their smoke alarms and changing the batteries. Alkaline batteries should be replaced at least once a year, and a good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when you change your clocks.

Kansas Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen stresses the importance of replacing outdated smoke alarms with newer models featuring 10-year sealed lithium batteries.

“Ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step you can take to increase your family’s safety from a home fire,” explained Jorgensen. “Purchasing and installing smoke detectors with batteries that don’t need to be changed annually is one of the most af­fordable ways to protect your family.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

To protect your home, follow these smoke alarm safety tips:

· Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including in the basement.
· If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
· For smoke alarms without the long-life lithium batteries, be sure to replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Date each unit when they are installed and replace them after ten years – or sooner if they do not successfully pass the test by sounding the alarm when the test button is pressed.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, it is also a good idea to practice a family escape plan:
· Plan and practice two escape routes out of every room in your house.
· Designate an outside meeting place.
· In case of fire, call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside your home.
· Once outside, stay outside and don’t return for anything – not even a pet.

Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN–The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been selected to receive a cooperative agreement totaling $2.25 million over the next five years from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This FDA grant allows for collaboration between the KDA Agriculture Laboratory and the Dairy and Feed Safety program to expand animal feed testing and safety in Kansas.

The funding provides KDA the ability to implement a feed safety program within the framework of the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards set forth by the FDA. This will allow KDA’s laboratory to increase current animal feed testing capabilities which will expand the existing quality system. The cooperative agreement will also allow for the KDA laboratory to expand its ISO 17025 accreditation, establishing a more complete quality system and increasing the quality analytical data collected. ISO 17025 accreditation attests to the competency and technical capabilities of a laboratory to perform certain testing and supports the traceability of any data generated.

“The development and implementation of these standards will help both federal and state programs better direct their regulatory activities toward reducing hazards, consequently improving the safety and security of the animal feed supply in Kansas,” KDA Agriculture Laboratory program manager Sarah DeDonder said in a news release.

Kansas was one of 21 states selected to receive the cooperative agreement. The additional funding will help the agency in achieving its vision of a balanced approach to ensuring a safe food supply, protecting natural resources, promoting public health and safety, protecting animal health, and providing consumer protection to the best of the department’s ability.

Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN–In recognition of Kansas Farm to School programs across the state, Governor Brownback recently proclaimed October as Farm to School Month and the week of October 12 – 16 as Kansas Farm to School Week. National celebrations also occur during these times. Celebrations in Kansas will include efforts focused on showcasing the work producers, teachers and schools do to educate students about agriculture and bring locally grown food into schools.

The National Farm to School organization defines farm to school as any program that connects schools and child care settings with local farms and strives to serve healthful meals in school cafeterias, improve student nutrition, provide agricultural education opportunities and support local and regional farmers and ranchers.

To show support of Farm to School Month and Kansas programs, share information about Farm to School Month with your school or community and utilize Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Nutrition Education lesson plans.

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey invites all Kansans during the month of October to engage with the department on social media to help promote Farm to School Month. Follow KDA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to learn more about the celebration.

KDA is joined in this initiative by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Please visit the KDA Farm to School website for resources and more information about Kansas programs or contact Education and Events Coordinator Robin Blume at [email protected] or (7850 564-6756.

Office of Sen. Jerry Moran

WASHINGTON, DC–U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced legislation this week to increase the number of health professionals serving veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sen. Moran’s bill, introduced with U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), will provide veterans who served as medics in the armed forces with the opportunity to attain the education and training needed to become a physician assistant.

“I am proud to introduce this initiative to support the servicemen and women who are transitioning back to civilian life,” Sen. Moran said. “The GOOD Pilot Program would allow veterans who have served their country and fellow service members as medics to leverage their unique skills and training to further their careers. It would also help to make certain their fellow veterans have greater access to timely, quality care.”

Currently, veterans who served as medics have the opportunity to work at the VA through the Intermediate Care Technicians (ICT) Pilot Program, but they do not receive the additional training they need to advance their careers at the VA.

Sen. Moran’s bill would authorize the Grow Our Own Directive (GOOD) Pilot Program for five years to advance training and education opportunities for participants of the ICT program, individuals who agree to work in VA facilities in underserved states, and former service members with military health experience. Once veterans are certified as physician assistants, they would be required to work at the VA for at least three years. Additionally, this bill would require the VA to establish competitive pay for physician assistants employed by the department.

Physician assistants are one of the most in-demand positions at the VA. In September, USA Today reported that there is a 23 percent vacancy rate at the VA for physician assistants. According to the Veterans Affairs Physicians Assistants Association, there are an estimated 30,000 open physician assistant positions in the United States, making it difficult for the VA to recruit and retain physician assistants.

This bill is endorsed by the Veteran Affairs Physician Assistant Association, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Blinded Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).

“Ready access to quality patient care is among the most critical issues facing our nation’s veterans at VA healthcare facilities. We are thrilled that Senators Tester and Moran have sponsored legislation to increase the PA workforce, while creating a pathway for veterans to be educated in this critical healthcare profession. This creative model, along with needed policy improvements, holds great promise for the recruitment and retention of PAs at the VA,” said Jennifer L. Dorn CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

To read the full text of Sen. Moran’s bill, click here.

Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN–Water leaders from across the western United States convened in Manhattan this week for the fall meetings of the Western States Water Council. During the 3.5 days of meetings, the organization, which consists of leaders from state government, federal government representatives, and industry, held policy-related business meetings and educational sessions. The group also had the opportunity to tour Kansas’ largest lake, Milford Reservoir.

Established in 1965, the WSWC seeks to provide a platform for cooperation among western states on water-related issues and analysis of state and federal laws and regulations while maintaining individual state priorities.

“Conserving water resources and providing water users across Kansas with innovative water development and management tools is a top priority. But water issues do not stop at our state’s borders, and participation in groups like the WSWC allows us to better cooperate with our partners in the western United States,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey in a news release. “As federal laws and regulations become more complex, and sometimes overly burdensome, and as demands increase on water supplies, it is important to understand the challenges our neighboring states may face and also find areas of common agreement where we can work together.”

A significant portion of the fall meeting was spent developing a better understanding of the nexus between water quality and water quantity issues. Kansas Water Office Director Tracy Streeter said as Kansas and our partners throughout the western United States advance conservation, management and development priorities for water resources, focus must be put on water quality as well as water quantity. Pointing to specific policy initiatives and water project initiatives, Streeter highlighted how Kansas works to balance the issues.

“Reduction of sediment and nutrient runoff into our reservoirs is the cornerstone of our efforts to protect our water supply storage and reduce the occurrence of harmful blue-green algae outbreaks,” said Streeter. “There are many strategies in the Water Vision to address sediment such as increasing stream bank stabilization, riparian area restoration and encouraging filter strips above the reservoirs to reduce the sediment and nutrient impacts.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the WSWC group traveled to the Milford Reservoir, which provides water resources for flood control, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife. The reservoir also provides water supply to communities and industry in northeast Kansas. Like other Kansas reservoirs, Milford Reservoir has lost capacity due to sedimentation, which has had a compounding effect of increased outbreaks of harmful algae blooms. The group also toured the Milford Fish Hatchery, one of only a few warm water, intensive-culture fish hatcheries in the country.

During subcommittee meetings, WSWC members heard from federal officials, including Shaun McGrath, Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 administrator. Administrator McGrath will provide an update on EPA issues during the final day of the WSWC meeting, but EPA’s Waters of the United States Rule, including discussions related to the multiple lawsuits filed over the rule as well as implementation guidelines, was a topic during multiple subcommittee meetings. In addition to the EPA, representatives from agencies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of the Interior provided updates on issues ranging from drought response, the Endangered Species Act, water transfers, tribal water rights and more.

For more information about the WSWC, visit http://www.westernstateswater.org/.

Office of the Governor

TOPEKA– Governor Sam Brownback announced Friday that Secretary of Corrections Ray Roberts will step down at the end of the year. Roberts has served as Corrections Secretary since 2011.

“I am grateful for the wealth of leadership and experience Ray has provided to the state,” Governor Brownback said. “In a corrections career spanning more than 40 years, he has worked with the utmost integrity, serving Kansans through his dedication to public safety, and by actively encouraging and assisting offenders through mentorship programs to become law-abiding citizens.”

Roberts was formerly the warden of El Dorado Correctional Facility. He has also served as a correctional counselor, director of faith-based ministry, warden of five correctional facilities, and deputy secretary of facility management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi, and his masters of education in Counseling and Guidance from Delta State University.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Governor Brownback and the people of the Great State of Kansas,” Roberts said. “Governor Brownback has supported me through good and difficult times and taught me about leadership and humility. Serving as secretary has been the highlight of my career for which I am forever grateful. I have been honored to work alongside incredible staff that has devoted their time and talents to making Kansas a safer place and I know that the agency and its mission are in good hands.”

The mission of the Kansas Department of Corrections is to make a safer Kansas through effective correctional services.